In 2019, Professor Andrew Day, Nina Watts-Carrier, Dr Sharon Casey, and Dr Ashlen Francisco from James Cook University evaluated the revised Seasons for Growth Child & Young Person program.
The Seasons for Growth program was viewed very positively by all of those who participated in the evaluation. In relation to program design, Companions identified the importance of learning about Worden’s ‘tasks’ and the importance of the ‘seasons’ metaphor (that life changes) in facilitating learning. They also reported that they felt confident in their ability to deliver the program to a high standard.
A majority of children and young people who completed the surveys at the end of the program reported that it had helped them ‘a lot’ (the most positive rating possible), and that they enjoyed attending. Many of the parents and carers expressed their gratitude to Companions for providing the opportunity for their child to attend. The warmth with which the Seasons for Growth program was received is reflected in the most common criticism - that the program could not continue for longer.
Overall, the results support the suggestion that program attendance is likely to be associated with an improvement in the quality of life of children and young people and that this is maintained after the program has finished.
By Prof Andrew Day, Nina Watts-Carrier, Dr Sharon Casey, and Dr Ashlen Francisco